That is rather interesting.
Here in Germany, analog lines on the exchanges (Alcatel S12/Siemens EWSD) were phased out years ago and replaced by VoIP. Most users use VoIP with their routers, but customers with only an analog line can use a plan called "Call Start" that will terminate VoIP at the exchange (with a POTS line card) and provide them an analog line.
Many seniors here use emergency devices that work with VoIP. Even fax is possible when setting it at low speed.
Begin forwarded message:
Date: Tue, 19 Dec 2023 13:15:37 +0000 From: Java Jive snipped-for-privacy@evij.com.invalid>
Newsgroups: uk.telecom.broadband Subject: Digital landline switch paused for vulnerable people Message-ID: uls51p$22t6$ snipped-for-privacy@dont-email.me
Digital landline switch paused for vulnerable people
Nearly two million people are thought to use such equipment, which can be used to summon help in an emergency.
Digital landlines can fail in some circumstances, such as a power cut.
Phone providers have signed up to a charter under which people can only be moved from an analogue to a digital line if there is no impact on telecare."